Automatic multiple cavity molding with dielectric preheat



May 23, 1953 J. H. GREEN ET AL 2,639,465

AUTOMATIC MULTIPLE cAvITY MOLDING WITH DIELECTRIC PREHEAT Filed Jan. 12, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 W l ATTORNEY May 26, 1953 J. H. GREEN ET AL I AUTOMATIC MULTIPLE cAvITY MOLDING WITH DIELECTRIC PREHEAT Filed Jan. I2, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 /umhm ATTORNEY May 426, 1953 J. H. GRT-:EN ET AL AUTOMATIC MULTIPLE cAvTTT MOLDING WITH DIELECTRTC PREHEAT 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Jan. l2, 1949 INVENTORS JTH. @K55/V BMY /V//CE/V/VY.

ATTORN EY WITNESSES:

May 26, 1953 J. H. GREEN ET Al. 2,639,465

AUTOMATIC MULTIPLE cAvITY MOLDING l WITH DIELECTRIC PREHEAT Filed Jan. l2, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 lNvENToRs wlTNESSES: I J7 H. 6555A/ j @wat M4 Mvrf/V/Vy.

ATTORNEY May 26, 1953 J. H. GREEN ET AL AUTOMATIC MULTIPLE cAvITY MOLDTNG WITH DIELECTRIC PREHEAT Filed Jan. l2, 1949 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 .SY/1752 Pkv/v T 153 FEEDER INVENTORS JT H. @g55/V h/. /VCE/V/Vy ATTORNEY WITNESSESZ Patented May 26, 1953 UNITED STATES` PATENT OFFICE AUTOMATIC MULTIPLE GAVITY MOLDING WITH. DIELECTRIC PREHEAT' James H. Green, West Orange, and' William. Maikenny, Mountain View, N.. J., assignors to. Westinghouse Electric Corporation,lv East. Pittsburgh, Pa.,y a corporation of Pennsylvania Application January 12, 1949', Serial N o. 703532.

21. Claims. l

This invention relates to the automatic mold'- ing of plastics and, more particularly, to means. for automatically loading a moldingp-ress with relatively large tablets' or sph-eres plastic ma.- terial of the phenolic resin type, suchr as that'. known in the art as Bakelite or Micarta," and. more particularly molding relativelyl-argc articles, an example of such being a terminalblock for use in sucli devices as relays, meters and other electrical instruments.

A principal object of our inventioi-'lis a satis-1 factory automatic machine thatv will produce to specification such relatively large articles as; electric terminal blocks, with an appreciable saving in molding time and qualityv improvement.

Another object of our invention is to provide for 'the automatic multiple cavity molding of relatively large devices using dielectric preheat. with. automatic feed and transfer mechanism.

A further object of our invention is to preheat sets of preforn'is while positioned relatively close together and quickly 'thereafter distribute the same along diverging paths to a board: for feed.- ing them directly to a molding press.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent as the description proceeds;

ln the scale drawings:

Figure l is a side elevational view of apparatus embodying our invention,

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view showing the sequence oi one cycle of events which taire place during operation of a machine such shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view to a larger scale on the lines Ill-HI of Figures: l and 6v in the direction of the arrows, showing the parts in the position where plastic preforms are in a hopper ready for loading to a transfer' board, and a set of said preforrns, in preheated condition, have just been discharged from said board to a feed board and are thus ready for movement into a press.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line IV--IV of Figure 7, corresponding generally to Figure 3 but showing the next position of the parts where the transfer board has been moved back from over the feed board and loaded from the hopper, while the feed board has been moved into the press, and has actually discharged its load into the lower mold elements thereof as shown in Figure 11.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view on the line Ill-III of Figure 6, corresponding generally to Figure 3, but showing the next position in which the transferA board has been moved from beneath they hopper to. a position. beneath the high-po.- tential highsfrequency dielectriceheating mesh electrode and also above the. press feed board.

but showing a position in which a charge ofV prev formshave been. received from the hopper in apertures in a cutpoff' plate.

Figure 'If a vertical sectional view on the line VII*VII ofi Figure 4,. in the. direction of the arrows, and corresponding with Figure 6 but showing the next position where the` charge has been fed, by movement of the cut-off plate, through holes in an underlying valve plate to the transfer board.

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view on the line Vll-VHI of Figure 9 in the direction of the arrows, showing the press feed board filled with prefortns, after reception thereof from the transi'e-r board' thereabove, and the discharge chute in position to receive the molded articles from the upper mold elements or forces of the press while in open position.

Figure 9l is a horizontal sectional View on the line IX-IX of Figure 3, in the direction of the arrows Figure 10 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional` view on the. lines X--X of Figures 4 and 7, in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view corresponding to Figure 8, but showing the parts in the position where the feed board has been moved into the press and has discharged its load of preforms into the lower` mold elements. thereof.

Figure l2 is a view corresponding t0 Figure l1, but showing the next position in which the feed board' has been withdrawn from the press, and the transfer board with a load of preforms has been simultaneously moved to a position therea-bove ready to delectrically preheat its load prior to discharging its load thereinto, also showing the molding of the plastic material in the press.

Figure i3 illustrates partisl schematically, the general assembly of the parts.

Figure 14 shows one of the objects, speciiically designated a terminal block, which may be manufactured in accordance with our invention.

Figure l5 is la plan showing la meter housing with a pair of such blocks in position, on a scale reduced as compared with Figure 14.

The Whitmore et al. Patent No. 2,409,725, dated October 22, 1946, discloses a molding press which is automatic in the sense that pellets or preforms of plastic material after placing in a hopper are automatically fed to a press, the material thereof molded for a predetermined length of time, and the press automatically opened for the discharge of the molded articles. The Whitmore et al. Patent No. 2,454,362, dated November 23, 1948, discloses a press similar to that of said earlier patent, but improved in that it provides for a breathing cycle, that is, the venting of gases from the mold interior and the contained moldab-le material, while the latter is in plastic condition. Such presses are admirably adapted for producing relatively small objects, such as radio base shells and the like.

However, for molding articles from preforms of relatively large size, it is desirable that the force necessary to compress the same to molded size, and the curing time thereof, be reduced by preform preheating prior to the molding operation. A multiple cavity mold using a large number of preforms for such an intermediate size object does not lend itself to an electronic preheat cycle with hand transfer, due to presetting (polymerizing) of the material prior to molding. No previous knowledge of automatic multiple-cavity molding with electronic preheat was available, so experiments were undertaken to evolve apparatus for the purpose. It was decided to adapt a '15 ton press, of the so-called Watson-Stillman Y type, for the purpose of carrying out the program. The mechanism which we have evolved, as one embodiment of our invention, sacrifices the more effective and uniform preheating of flat preforms for two reasons: (l) Spherical preforms have less surface for cooling per unit of weight. (2) Spherical preforms are easier to handle, since they need not be oriented.

Therefore, the nearly spherical shape provided by a pill machine, of the so-called Stokes type, with no unusual tooling was used. The ballshaped preforms are dumped into a large hopper to one side of the press, where they fall through a vibrating plate into vertical spacing holes in a thick casting, and are indexed into a transfer board by a cut-off plate. Power means then drives the transfer board along tracks to a position immediately above a distributor device overlying a press feed board. A high voltage highfrequency electrode is located immediately above this position, and the heating starts automatically. The end of the preheating cycle is so timed as to be coincidental to the opening of the press at the end of a previous molding cycle.

When the preheating is terminated and the press fully opened the standard unloading chute comes into position under thepress head, and trips a linkage which dumps the freshly preheated preforms through holes in the transfer board into said distributor device comprising a pair of castings with diverging holes. These holes serve to guide the preforms to corresponding holes in the press feed board, where they have a much greater spacing than the transfer board. The inclination of the unloading chute is such that it directs the load of molded articles into a receptacle and, as it leaves the press, the feed board moves in and deposits hot preforms in the lower mold cavities. The feed board returns, the press closes, and the new terminal blocks or other articles are made, while the next load of preforms is heated by high-frequency power. When the press opens, the newly molded articles cling to the top forces or upper mold elements, until the unloading chute moves into position, then knock-out pins move the molded articles so that they drop down on and pass along the lchute into a barrel or other receptacle.

Having given a brief description of the operation of an embodiment of our invention, we will now list the elements or subcombinations which may be included in a preferred embodiment.

l. A preform hopper with a vibrating apertured bottom plate or funnel, a drying lamp thereabove, a thickapertured, preferably lightmetal casting for lining up and temporarily storing plastic pellets or preforms, and for feeding them to a transfer board, a cut olf plate, and a valve plate.

2. A transfer board and power operating mechanism. for moving it, while loaded with pellets from the feed hopper, to a position where said pellets are preheated dielectrically under a highvoltage electrode, with the lower element of the board being conductive and grounded to function as the other electrode.

3. High-frequency preheating apparatus comprising said dielectric heater electrode, an oscillator, and a coaxial transmission line to top electrode.

4. Relatively thick distributing castings, preferably formed of light metal, with diverging holes forming dispersion tubes to guide the pellets, as

they are discharged from the transfer board, to

the press feed board.

5. A press feed board, associated blower device and power operating means,for moving preheated pellets from beneath the transfer board to a position between the elements of the press, while cleaning the lower elements thereof by a blast of compressed air, and then automatically discharging a load of pellets into said lower mold elements.

6. A hydraulic press and operating mechanism therefor.

'1. A discharge chute and operating mechanism therefor.

8. Timing mechanisms and actuating electrical apparatus for coordinating the operation of said elements.

The parts above enumerated are thus interconnected electrically and mechanically, and employ timing devices and solenoids, so that they operate in a predetermined sequence, one cycle of which is represented graphically in Figure 2. Broadly speaking, the functions performed by the parts of the disclosed embodiment of our invention are as follows:

1. Assuming the loading hopper contains a supply of preforms of plastic material, there are fed a few at a time, through the apertured vibrating plate, to the distributor casting beneath the hopper, as represented most clearly in Figures 3 and 6, where said prefornis are lined up vertically and horizonally spaced to correspond with the proposed spacing in the transfer board.

2. A charge of preforms is delivered through said distributor casting, a relatively-movable cut-off plate, and a valve plate to the transfer board, slidable from a position beneath said hopper to a position beneath the top plate of the dielectric heating apparatus, said loading being effected by relative movement between said cut-off plate and associated valve plate, upon movement of an operating bell-crank lever by engagement of said transfer board therewith whereby only the bottom preforms in the distributor casting are discharged to said transfer board, as illustrated in Figures 4, 7, 10, and 11. The board is cam-closed on outward movement.

7 58 provide grooves 59 in which the lower plate 54 may slide sufliciently so that the apertures 56 and 51 are brought into registry for the discharge of preforms when positioned on the board.

The transfer board 53 is loaded through the valve plate apertures 49 upon its reaching the end of its travel toward a position where it underlies the hopper 2|. During this travel its lower plate 54 is moved from preform-release position, illustrated in Figure 8, to preform supporting position illustrated in Figure 12, by engagement of cam |96 with a downward projection ||9 on the lower plate 54. This movement to position under the hopper causes said board to engage a depending prong 6| on the arm 52 of a bell crank lever 83 mounted on a pivot 64 extending from one of the rails 52. This, in turn causes a projection 85 in the other end of said lever 93, to slide in a slot 65 in a projection 81 on the cut-off plate 44, and move said plate from the position represented in Figures 3, 6, and 9, to that represented in Figure 10, to thereby align the apertures 41 with the apertures 49, as shown in Figure 7, and discharge a load of preforms into the apertures 51 of the board plate 55, where they are supported on the lower plate 54 of transfer board 53.

When the transfer board 53 has been loaded and is moved from a position under the hopper 2| to a position under the high-frequency electrode 68, as shown in Figures 5 and 12, it returns the cut-off plate 44 to its former position, where the apertures therein receive another set of preforms from the apertures in the casting 25, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 6, ready for the next loading operation, by a lug portion 69 on the board 53, riding over a cam 1| on the bell crank lever S3, and thereby moving said lever back to its initial position, as represented in full lines in Figure 9. This operation carries the cut-off plate 44 therewith, because of the engagement of the projection 65 in the slot 50 of the projection 61.

The transfer board 53 is automatically moved to and from its extreme positions at the proper times in accordance with events of the cycle illustrated in Figure 2, by piston 94 operating in an air cylinder 95, and connected to a portion 98 depending from said transfer board, through piston rod 81 and connecting pin 98. The air to the cylinder 85 is controlled by a four-way valve 99, shown in Figure 13, receiving the air from a pump or other source of high pressure air (not shown), through pipe and discharging it after use in the cylinder 95, through pipe |82. The pipe to the back or head end of the cylinder is designated |03, and that to the front or rod end of the cylinder is designated |04. The valve 99 may be solenoid-operated, as one of the Ross type, and controlled from the timing mechanism, designated feeder on the timing board 81, through lines and |06, and provided with a return spring 80. The operation of the piston 94 is thus synchronized with the movement of the other parts of the apparatus. The control of the piston 94 is thus similar to that of the piston 48 in the Makenny et al. Patent No. 2,197,528, dated April 16, 1940.

The preheating apparatus Upon the transfer board 53 reaching the position illustrated in Figures 5 and 12, it underlies the upper electrode 68 of high-frequency heating equipment, generally designated 12. The lower electrode is provided by grounding the rails 52, thereby making the lower plate 54 of said transfer board an apertured lower electrode, cooperating with the electrode 58. The ground connection is indicated at 13 in Figure 8 and the high voltage connection to the electrode from the oscillator 14 is indicated at 15. An adjustable matching impedance is provided by the tuning slider 16 on parallel stub lines 11 and 18, and the coil 19, one end of which is connected to the line 18 and the other grounded, as indicated at 8|. The lines 11, 18, and associated slider and coil are supported from the metal plate shielding enclosure 82 by a bracket 83 extending from insulator 84. The insulator 84 is supported on one of the walls of the enclosure 82.

The oscillator 14, desirably a standard Westinghouse 10 kw., 30 megacycle, high frequency generator, is connected by lines 85 and 86 to the control board 81, whereby it is interconnected with the control arrangement for the means which supplies fluid pressure, preferably in the form of oil, to the cylinder 88 of the press 89 for operating the piston 9| therein, so that power is supplied to the electrode 68 when the press timer operates, as at the point designated 92 in Figure 2, and cut oif at the end of the preheating period by the oscillator timer, designated I-I. F. Generator, as at the point designated 93.

The dispersing castings After the preforms 22 have been heated for a proper length of time under the electrode 68 in the position represented in Figures 5, 8, 9 and l2, they are released to the dispersing or distributing castings or feed brackets ||1, preferably relatively thick and formed of light metal such as aluminum, from the transfer board 53. These castings are desirably supported from the rails |2| by studs 40 extending therefrom and adjustably carrying nuts 50 between which are held flanges extending from opposite ends of said castings. This release is effected by lateral movement of the lower conductive plate 54 thereof by corresponding movement of the arm |01. Said arm is fixed on, and rotates with, shaft |08 carrying an operating arm |09, normally held in its extreme release position, where the arm |01 is in the dotted position represented in Figure 8, by a return spring ||0. An operating rod guided in bracket ||2, has its inner portion bent diagonally as indicated, with the extreme end pivotally connected to said arm |09 as indicated at |20. The rod is moved by engagement of the upstanding lug I|3 on the discharge chute H4, when the latter passes below the upper mold elements or forces, upon opening of the press to discharge the articles 23 which have been molded therein.

The counterclockwise rotation of the arm |01, as viewed in Figure 8, effects lateral movement of the lower plate 54 from the position shown in Figure 1, to that of Figure 8, by engaging a downward projection ||9 on said lower plate, so that the apertures 56 therein are aligned with the apertures 5l' in which the preforms 22 have been held. This allows a charge of preforms to drop downward through the apertures H6 in the dispersing castings ||1, where they are distributed from the relatively compact relationship they occupied in the transfer board 53 for efficient heating, to the relatively separated positions they occupy in the press feed board H8, which arrangement corresponds with that desired for placing in the lower mold elements |22 of the press 89. These castings ||1 not only disperse the preforms laterally of the line of movementloi" the transfer board` 53, as illustrated F'igurei', but. also longitudinally or said movement. as illustrated in Figurel 3.

The press feed' board' YThe press. feed. board and thc. operating arms to: which it. is securedy as by bolts 5t, are sliclable on. rails mi from a position beneath the oisoersine. castings tllf. where. it. is. loaded with preforrns 22;. tof a position` above; the lower mold elements |22; of the; press.. ln. the latter position it releases its. cl'rarge off preforms, allowing two. in the present. embodiment.. to, cron into each lower mold element.. asshown roostA clearly in Figure 11.. The use; of' two. proorms for oooh incid element here deemed beso-115 of the elongated nature. of the article being formed. However, if the articles. to be molded are each relatively com-pact. or do notoover much arca, it may 'oe desirable to.I use only one preform apiece'.

The feed. boald its generally is formed in two parts., an upper or interior body noir-t ['23, with a series yol? apertures, |34 arranged to correspond with the exit or lower ends of the apertures its in the dispersi-ng castings Hr'l, as well as with the pattern of desired placing' in the lower mold elements, and a lower plate and housing part |25. The latter not only has a lower woll supporting the. body part |231.` but an upper frame portion lat connected. to said lower wall by ond members Mill, as. shown in Figure 8` Said housing part is movable. transversely to the line of travel of the board |l |8 with respect: to said body part Vit, as it reaches. the unloading position alloro the lower mold elements |23. This lateral movement to unloading position is effected by engagement of a com |26, formed on the, unhl frame portion |3|l of said part |25, by a roller lill formedon a corresponding side of the press, as shown in Figure 9, upon movement of said press feed board into the press for the discharge of preforms therefrom.

The part has a series `of apertures |28, oorresponding in arrangement with the apertures 52d in the upper part |23, but normally oli-sot into preorimsupporting relationship. as viewed. in .Figure 3. The operating arms. 'En to Which the hoard lili is` attached at its sides, deslrably carry wear plates int which directly engage the slmporting rails |2l. Roller-induced movement of part .|25 shifts it laterally to cause. the opel'- tm'es |28 and |25 to align and release the proorrns from the feed board, so that they drop into the lower mold elements as viewed in Figure l1.

in order to return the lower part; |25 of the foes. board Us to preforn'l-s-unnortine position. is other side of the frame portion |243 is formed with a com |29. which, upon movement of the feed board out of the press, is, engaged by a roller |3| on the corresponding side oi the press. which causes a lateral return movement of said lower part |225 to the normal. or preform-sill?" portino; position illustrated in Figure 3.

The mechanism for causing,t the motion of the feed board lit into and out of the press 89 involves pistons |32 operatingr in iiuid-pressure mfeielably hydraulic cylinders |33 supported `from the frame of said press. The rods |34 of d pistons are connected to transverse operat: member to which the operating rails Jil from said 'feed hoard are secured by conrentional means. The fluid to the cylinders |33 T0 is.. Controlled br a Qur-Wai. valve |36 shown. in Figure 1.3I reoeivins Water 0r other fluid trom a Dump 01.l other source of fluid. pressure through pipe. |1.and discharging ita-iter use in thecylinders |33 through pipe- |38.A

The pipe tothe back or heady end ol the piston isv designated |39, and that to the iront or rod end is designated Ifll. The valve |35, may, be solenoid-operated, as one of the Ross type, provided with a return spring #58. It is controlled from the timingA mechanism that controls the valve 99, designated feeder on the timing board 8J, throne, lines M2 and M3, thereby synchronizing the operation of the piston |32 with the movement of the other parts of the apparatus. The control of the piston |32 is thus also similar to or the piston tit in the Makenny et Batent No. 2,l9',528.

In order to insure that, prior to introduction of the preforms, the lower mold elementsv are free from dirt and debris, the press feed board |j|3 carries a. high pressure air pipe |44 the outlet end, or that at the front or press-adjacent end of the board, being formed with nozzles Us5. As the board. moves into the press, air is automatically admitted to the pipe |44 and the nozzles direct a blast thereof into the lower mold elements |22 and properly clean the same. The timing and duration of the air blast is controlled from that part of' the timing board designated blower through lines IGI!v and |10 to solenoidcontrolled valve itprovlded with a return spring |85.

The press The tool/ine used. in the nar-titular sintesi of the invention here illustrated consists or twelve separable lower cavity molds It?, and twelve separable ton fortes, or for-oors- Those mold parts; are mounted resnectirdr on lower Plate ist and unter relate. lill formed with teloseonins snide means Hill and Hifi. and are. d illed to receive electric. Cart-rides heaters. @not show@ for maintaining: the mold elements. at the desired temperatures for simple flash molding- Knock out pins Ult are included in the ton forces to unload the .finished articles from the. press.. Those nine ist are mounted on o strinnor bar 19| which nor-molly is released by return shrines |92. The follower is moved down to elect the molded articles. by' plunger rods |93.. automatically operated in conventional manner. When rst operating the press, it was found that the terminal blocks formed remained in the cavity portions of the mold, rather than as desired, being carried up by the top forces on opening of the mold. To correct this, the following was done to each top force. inserts which had been used were taken out and grooves were formed in the two inserts that served to ,lighten the finished terminal block. The inserts used to mold the screw holes were then reverse tapered until the piece stayed on the top force.

The lower plate lilo is mounted on the s tationary or base portion of the press, while the upper plate |87 is mounted on the movable upper portion. Mt carried by the piston rod |48 depending from the piston' 9|. Fluid, such as oil, to operato the piston for opening and closing the press, is controlled by a four-way valve |5I, shown in Figure receiving ud from a puljnp Hill through pipe |553, and discharillg it after use in the cylinder' fill through pipe |54. The pipe 'to the upper or head end of the cylinder 58 is designated |55, and that to the lower or rod DIESS.

end of the cylinder is designated |56. The valve may be solenoid-operated, as one of the Ross type, from the timing mechanism designated high pressure on the timing board B1. through lines |51, |58, and |59, a solenoid at each end being used in the present instance, rather than a solenoid at one end and a return spring at the other, as in connection with the valves 99 and |36.

The unloading chute The unloading or discharge chute H4 is mounted to slide on the same rails I2I which carry the press feed board. It comprises a base or carrying portion IBI and an outwardly inclined chute portion |62. The inclination of the chute portion |52 is such that when the articles molded in the press are discharged thereinto, they will slide by gravity out of the press. The base portion carries downward projections |63 connected by conventional means |90 to the rods |64 of the operating pistons |65 moving in cylin ders |65. lThey are desirably operated by air like the cylinder 95.

The air to said cylinders |66 is controlled by a four-way valve |51, like the valve 99 also shown in Figure 13. It receives air from a pump, or other source of high pressure, through a pipe I B8, discharging it after use in the cylinders I E5 through pipe |69. The pipe to the back or head end of the cylinder is designated I1I and that to the front or rod end of the cylinder is designated |12.

The valve |61 may be solenoid-operated, as one of the Ross type, and automatically controlled directly from the upper press member |48 by a cam device |13, carried by a bracket |14 thereon, and tripping of a trigger member when it has opened, to admit fluid pressure through pipe |12 to the cylinders |66 and cause the discharge chute ||4 to pass into the press and occupy the position shown in Figure 8. Removal of the chute from the press is caused in a similar manner, that is, by the cam |13 dropping below the trigger |15 and terminating the solenoid operation. A return of the valve |61 is effected by spring |16, thereby causing fluid pressure to pass through the pipe I1I to the head end of the cylinder, moving the piston back to the position illustrated in Figure '13, to effect a withdrawal of the discharge chute I4 from the Timing mechanism Part of the timing mechanism has been de scribed under the preceding headings. The solenoids which have been mentioned are electrically connected with the timing or control board 81 so that they operate at the proper times in accordance with the settings. Each time the feed board ||8 travels in to feed the press, the transfer board 53 leaves its normal position over said feed board and under the high-frequency electrode, and travels to the hopper, loads automatically and returns as the feed board returns. The operating air flow is restricted by valve (not shown) to the high pressure air pipe |0| to damp the motion of the board, thereby eliminating eX- cessive mechanical shock.

The high frequency heating time is determined by the difference in setting between the high pressure timer and the high-frequency generator. The manual operation of the high-frequency generator is in no way affected by the timer adjustment in the automatic operation.

Operation in detail In preparing to start a molding cycle, the pump |52 which supplies high pressure fluid to the molding press 89 should be started and the main selector switch |11 positioned on the timing board 81 of the molding press placed in first or manual position. The safety switch (not shown) controlling the high frequency generator 14 should be closed. A waiting period of five minutes, provided by an internal timer, is required for the filaments of the several tubes contained in the generator to arrive at safe temperatures.

The hopper 2| is filled with preforms and the infra red drying lamp 2|] turned on to remove surface moisture from the preforms, thereby preventing the possibility of arcing during the dielectric heating cycle. The lamp is positioned at a distance of about twelve inches above the top of the hopper.

The main valve which supplies air to the varius air operating cylinders should be in full open position. The air valve, however, which controls the pipe |I|| supplying air for movement of the transfer board 53, should be partly closed, so as to damp the motion of said board to avoid jolting the preforms therein. The feed selector switch I8| should be moved to feed position. This will cause the press feed board I I8 to travel in over the mold cavities and will activate the air cylinder of the transfer board 53 causing it to move said board under the preform hopper. This will result in a complete load of preforms being deposited in the transfer board. Movement of the selector switch I8| to off position will now cause the feed board ||8 to return to its normal position beneath the dispersing castings I I1, as shown in Figure 8, and the transfer board containing the preforms to move beneath the dielectric heating electrode |68, where its lower conducting plate 54, by virtue of the ground 13, serves as a lower electrode beneath the preforms in the transfer board.

To start automatic operation, the cycle start button |82 is depressed, after turning the selector switch on the high frequency generator to automatic position. The mold heaters should be adjusted so that the temperature on the bottom half of the mold is maintained between about 335 and 340 F. while that on the top half of the mold is maintained between about 340 F. and 345 F.

The timer |94 of the high frequency generator 14 should be set so that after the high pressure molding cycle starts, the high pressure timer |95 will energize and start the timing of the duration of high frequency heating at point 92 in Figure 2. The timer |94 will from there control the desired elapsed time before the dielectric heating, applied to the preforms being prepared for the molding cycle, is terminated at point 93. In the present instance, the molding cycle is assumed to be seconds and the preheating time 90 seconds, although these times are subject to adjustment as desired. When the curing cycle, marked 137 secs in Fig. 2, has been completed. the high pressure timer will shut off the high frequency generator and reset its timer for the next automatic cycle. It will be understood that the dielectric heating cycle is part of the high pressure curing time cycle, which the preform material gets after the preforms are actually deposited in the lower mold elements, thereby correspondingly shortening the time during which the press need be closed on said material. The

13 exact timer .settings depends upon the type of molding material used.

Itis important that the heating plate .or electrode 68 be maintained in a level position at all times with .on-1y a small clearance, say approxin mately 1A", between .it and the top of the preforms when in position shown in Figure 8. Ii the heating plate should .be deflected out of the horizontal position, .or come .in contact with the top .of the preforrns, arcing or burning will resuit. When the plate is cleaned or removed Vfor any reason, care should be exercised to malte certain that all sharp corners, wire edges, and roughness of any type, ,are removed.

Means are provided to remove the gases and vapors .emitted from the preforms during the dielectric heating cycle. Such means causes a ow of dry air to avoid a deposit of moisture and resulting arcing.

Let us assume that the automatic molding cycle starts with the delivery of a charge `of preforms 2.2 through the distributor casting 25 and is moved by .the cut-off plate 44 actuated vby the bell crank lever B3 through engagement ci the transfer board 5.3 with the lug 6l depending from the arm 6,2 thereof, from the position or Figure 6 to that of Figure '7. The transfer board is closed as it moves outward, by the cam itt, so that it is in condition to receive the preforrns. Said preforms drop into the apertures 5l of the transfer board 53 and are supported on the lower metal plate Ell thereof. This corresponds with the first part of the cycle shown in Figure 2, the transfer board being assumed to start from the position of Figures 3 and 6 where it is empty and .underlies the dielectric heating plate et, represented by the in position or" the transfer board 53 at the beginning of the cycle of Figure 2 and the out position of the feed board Ilil.

The transfer board 53, having received a charge of preforms from the cut-off plate through the apertures 49 in the valve plate 48, as shown in Figure 7, moves back to the position oi Figures 5 and 12, resulting in a return movement of the out-off plate, through engagement of the cam 'il by said board, the positioning of the supported preiorms under the heating electrode til, and the simultaneous movement of the feed hoard Ile, thereunder or to its out position.

When the cycle has advanced to position 92, g

as indicated in Fig. 2, the high-frequency preheatng of the preforins is automatically initiated by the press timer. At the end of the setting of the oscillator timer, the preheating is terminated at position 93, as indicated in Figure 2, At this point also, the press il@ opens and the discharge chute l le moves thereintc beneath the upper forces thereof, as indicated in Figures i and 9. and then out carrying the molded articles with it.

This inward movement causes engagement be tween the lug H3, the discharge chute and the rod il i, moving the transfer board tripping arm iol' through pivotal connection llil, arm H39, and shaft lllii on which said arms are mounted. This tripping arm movement slides the lower metal plate 54 to the position of Fig. 9 and results in a release of the preheated preforrns from the position oi Figures 5 and l2 through the passages lili in the dispersing castings H'i, to the receiving apertures 624 in the feed board l lll, as shown in Figures 8 and 9.

The next operation is the movement of the feed board from its out position under the dispersing castings l Il, to its in position above the lll lower mold `elements .1.22, as shown in Figure l1.. Said inward movement immediately follows the outward movement of the discharge chute i irl, and is accompanied Iby an automatic release of high pressure air to the pipe Mii and a discharge .of a blast from the nozzles Mii over the lower mold elements l22. 'This blast of air cleans the lower mold elements of dirt and debris, preparing theln for the reception of the preforrns 22 which are deposited therein immediately upon the feed board .reaching the position of Figure ll, at the end ci its inward travel, by the roller .21 riding over the cam |26 and moving the lower member l25 from preforin-supporting po .sition shown in Figure .8, to the release position shown in Figure `ll. The feed board then almost immediately moves out of the press, being closed for the .reception of the next set of preheated Vpreforms by the roller i3! engaging cam |29.

The press then closes, compressing the forms .to mold the articles desired, `as indicated in Figure 12. Said closing operation is preferably preceded by a partial closing and release, as indicated by the saw-toothed line, designated 423 in .Figure 2. This provides for "breathing the press, that is, releasing the gases from the mold elements and plastic material while the latter is still a plastic condition, as disclosed in the Whitmore et al. Patent No. 2,454,362, previously referred to. The curing cycle, that is, the time the molding material remains under pressure, then goes on to completion for the approximately 13'? seconds represented in Figur-e 2. After, however., .a portion `of said cycle is completed, the electrode 623 is energized. to start preheating another set of preforms at the point marked 32 in said Figure 2, ready for the feeding to the press after discharge of the contained material.

At the completion of the molding cycle the press opens, the high-frequency preheating of the next set of preforms is terminated, and the discharge chute immediately moves in under the upper forces, tripping the transfer board release mechanism and dropping the preheated preforzns into the press feed board HB. The molded articles 23 are removed from the top forces by the knock out pins 145, whereby they drop into said chute lill, which immediately moves out of the press and the articles 23 slide along the saine into a barrel or other receptacle 181i, completing the cycle.

Although a preferred embodiment has been disclosed, it will be understood that niodications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

l.. Apparatus for molding plastic material com* prising a preform hopper with a vibrating apertured bottom plate, means thereabcve for removing surface moisture from preforms ccntained therein, a thick apertured light metal cast ing therebelow for lining up temporarily storing plastic preiorms and feeding them as needed, a cut-off plate therebelow and movable between preform-supporting and release positions, a valve plate below said cut-oilE plate, a transfer board for moving charges of preforms from said hopper, and mechanism operable upon movement of said transfer board under said hopper to move said cut-off plate to release position.

2. Apparatus for molding plastic material cornprising a hopper for receiving and distributing preforms thereof, a funnel beneath said hopper, the lower wall portion of which is apertured for feeding said preforms therefrom in accordance with a predetermined pattern, means for vibrating said funnel independently of said hopper, a horizontally movable cut-off plate formed with a series of apertures corresponding with the arrangement of the holes in said funnel, means for periodically moving said cut-off plate to either allow passage of preforms therethrough from said funnel or support preforms thereon, a valve plate underlying said cut-off plate and with a corresponding series of apertures normally offset from the apertures in said cut-off plate, whereby said preforms when received in apertures of said cut-off plate are normally supported on said valve plate, rails underlying said valve plate, and a transfer board movable along said rails so as to in one position periodically receive a charge of preforms through said valve plate, when said cutoff plate slides t'ne received bottom layer of preforms and allows them to drop through the apertures in said valve plate into said transfer board.

3. Apparatus for molding plastic material comprising a hopper for receiving and distributing preforms thereof in accordance with a predetermined pattern, a transfer board movable along rails so as to in one position receive a charge of preforms from said hopper, said transfer board comprising a top plate with a series of preformreceiving apertures and a relatively movable bottom plate correspondingly apertured but normally disposed so that the apertures therein are offset from those in said top plate, whereby said preforms are supported thereon until relative movement of the bottom plate effects discharge thereof, high-frequency preheating apparatus comprising an upper dielectric heater electrode and an oscillator for feeding power thereto, and power means for moving said transfer board after reception of a charge of preforms therein to a position beneath said upper heater electrode, the lower one of said heater electrodes being formed by the bottom plate of said transfer board.

4. Apparatus for molding plastic material comprising a transfer board movable along rails so as to in one position receive a charge of preforms, said transfer board comprising a top plate with a series of preform-receiving apertures and va relatively movable bottom plate correspondingly apertured but normally disposed so that the aper- D tures therein are offset from those in said top plate, whereby said preforms are supported thereon until relative movement of the bottom plate effects discharge thereof, high-frequency preheating apparatus comprising an upper dielectric heater electrode and a generator v for feeding power thereto, power means for moving said transfer board after reception of a charge of preforms therein to a position beneath said upper electrode, the bottom plate of said transfer board forming a lower electrode cooperating with said upper electrode for preheating said preforms, and a relatively-thick distributing casting with diverging holes forming dispersion tubes to guide said preforms as they are discharged from the transfer board after preheating to means for feeding them to a molding press.

5. Apparatus for molding plastic material comprising a transfer board movable along rails so as to in one position receive a charge of preforms of said material and in another position be disposed for preheating said preforms by high-frequency heating, said transfer board comprising a top plate with a series of preform-receiving apertures and a relatively movable bottom plate correpondingly apertured but normally disposed so that the apertures therein are offset from those in said top plate, whereby said preforms are supported thereyon until relative movement of the bottom plate effects discharge thereof, high-frequency preheating apparatus comprising an upper dielectric heater electrode and a generator for feeding power thereto, power means for moving said `transfer board after reception of a charge of preforms therein to a position beneath said upper electrode, the lower plate of said transfer board being conductive and grounded to function as a lower electrode cooperating with said upper electrode for preheating said preforms, and a press feed board formed similar to said transfer board, but with its preform-receiving apertures more widely spaced, disposed beneath said upper dielectric heater electrode, and means for divergingly feeding said preforms after preheating, from said transfer board to said press feed board.

6. Apparatus for molding plastic material comprising high-frequency preheating apparatus with an upper dielectric heater electrode and a high frequency generator for feeding power thereto, a transfer board, power means for moving said board along rails so as to in one position receive a charge of preforms and in another position dispose said preforms under said electrode for dielectric heating, said transfer board comprising a top member with a series of preformreceiving apertures and a relatively-movable bottom plate with means to connect it to said highfrequency generator, to function as the lower one of the heater electrodes, correspondingly apertured but normally disposed so that the apertures therein are offset from those in said top plate, whereby said preforms are supported thereon until relative movement of the bottom plate effects discharge thereof, an associated molding press, means cooperating with said press for opening said transfer board, and a cam disposed along said rails for closing said transfer board upon return thereof for recharging, a press feed board formed similar to said transfer board for receiving preheated preforms from the latter, and power means for moving said press feed board, when the associated press is open to a position between the molding elements thereof and automatically discharging said preforms into the lower mold elements.

7. Apparatus for molding plastic material comprising a transfer board, rails along which said transfer board is moved so that it may in one position receive a charge of preforms, and in another position be disposed for preheating of said preforms, high-frequency preheating apparatus comprising an upper dielectric heater electrode and a high frequency generator connected for feeding power thereto, said upper electrode cooperating with a portion of said transfer board which is grounded to dielectrically heat said charge of preforms, a relatively-thick distributing casting with diverging holes forming dispersion tubes and disposed beneath said upper electrode to guide the preforms as they are discharged from the transfer board, and a press feed board formed similar to said transfer board but with preform-receiving apertures more widely spaced to receive said preforms as they are discharged through said distributing casting.

8. Apparatus for molding plastic material comprising a transfer board formed to hold preforms in closely-packed positions, an upper dielectric heater electrode of high-frequency preheating mosaicos apparatus, irai-ls lalong which said boal'd is mvalole so it imay in 'one .position receive fa hiff'e bf l "reOimS 'and alothei OSO'n 11nderlie :said electrode, aan oscillator connected to said electrode forfifeeding power thereto, a press fe bmda'ild lform'e SSnlll' 13D-"Said tt'IISfe'r hoard, but formed 'to l'hold said Yp'reforms fin more Ydispersed positions corresponding with those "in which 'they 'are to "be molded, for 'receiving said D'ifdr'mls 'ft'l "pihatflg, -n'lals btWh s'a transferase .feed 4-looarr'is Awhen in aprcheating position for directing said rpreforms 'from one Aboard t 'the lhlg a '-mOId'Ig .'p'l'eSS, "BIIId VlllClWv'i flfnens for moving fsaid press feed fbo'arli When'thepress is opened l'to a lp'os'ition between 'the 'molding lelements `thereof and automatically discharging the prfonms into the v:lower molding elements.

r9. npparfatus for molding plastic material coinpulsing ra transfer board :formed to hold 4preforfnis in closely-packed positions, an up'pe'r idielectric heater electrode of high-'frequency l'pre'heating apparatus, 'rails along which "said board is imo'vab'le iso Ithat it may in 'one position vreceive fa charge "of .preforrns 'and in another position 'um derlie said electrode, an oscillator 'connected to said electrode fior feeding :power thereto, a press feed hoard formed similar 'to said transfer board, but "formed to lhold said preforms 'in :more dispersed positions corresponding with those in which they are to be molded, for Ireceiving said preforrns `after lpreheatng, means between 's'aid transfer 'and :feed :boards when `in preheating Ipositio'n for directing preforms from lone lboard to the other, a inolding vpress vwith upper and lower lmol'd `elements, power means Ifor 'moving said .press `feed board when lthe press is l'opened 'to a position ybetween said 'mold elements and 'autoe matically discharging the preforins into the lower molding elements, and a fdischaiige chute for receiving the molded articles from `the upper mold 'elements 'and removing them fr'o'rn said press.

1'0. Apparatus for molding plastic 'material comprising a transfer board formed to hold preforms in clos'ely-lpeclted positions, an upper dielectric 'heater elec rode of high-frequency preheating apparatus, rails along which said board is movable so that it may -i-n one 4position receive a charge of preforrns and in another position underlie said electrode, an oscillator connected to said electrode for feeding power thereto, a `press feed board formed similar to said transfer fboard, but formed to hold said -preforms in more disperse-d n "ons corresponding with those in which they are 'to be molded, lfor lreceiving said preforns after 'p'r'eheating` between said trahsfe'r'and feed boards When in vpreheating :p0- sltron tor directing said preform-s 'from one hoard to the othe o, inolding press with upper lower mol i power -ineans for mov-ing pres when the v.press is opened to a positn between said mold elements and automatic l'y discharging the preforms `irl-to the lower molding elements, a discharge chute for receiving 'the molded articles from the upper mold. elements and removing there from said press, and timing mechanism including actuating electrical `epla-r'atus for coordinating the operation of said elements.

l1. Apparatus for molding plastic material comprising a two-part hopper for Areceiving =and distributing preforms thereof, the lower part of said hopper being formed as a funnel, the lower wall portion of which is a plate apertured for feeding said preforlns therefrom in accordance witte preoeterlninedfpattern, meansfor vibrating `said funnel part independently for the rupper part, La 4:relatively thick feasting :disposed beneath said apertured fplate and fo'rmed with a series of norrnall'yverticalholes providing feed tube means for 'vertically lining up "a series 'of said ipreforiiis in eaoh'hole land temporarily storing them prior to .discharge therefrom, a horizontally-movable eut-oir plate disposed beneath hsaid casting and formed with fa-series apertures corresponding in arrange nt withtlie holes 'iin-said casting, iiie'ais for peiidicallfy moving said 'cut-off plate to yfeitlie allow passa-ge fofpr'eforins 'therethrough iron id casting or support prefer-ins thereon, la

S i said lit-:01T 15135158, Where by sifbeffi'ls '"Wflfh'l'ece-Vd -il apertures in lid -`ut0l plate tre iill'll'ially' `'Slipptil'fed n Said valve "plate, -I`a1s -ulillyn'g 'Said Valvp'la't, a transfer 'b'a'r'd `ln0vablea1`0lg `V'Sad Tdi-15550 ais t0 in one position periodically receive -a -cha'rge of Ilfflns'tliogh ls'ei'i Valve plate, when 'said Cut- Ol Eplate f's'llfdes the feci-liv'ed =bO'ttOm .layer Of DIefoi-ins 'from "the vSaid '-ia'stllg and -all'ws tl'l'elh It0 drop thrdugh lthe jzafpertliijes ein said Valve 'plate intofsail transfer board, said transfer boardicomprisifng a top plate with 'a series vof preformreceiving yYapeiitur-"es and va relatively-movable bottom plate, correspondingly aprtiired but znorinail-y disposed so thatftlie Yaper'turesftherein "are offset @from those in saidtop plate, whereby said pre'iornis are supported thereon until relative movement of the botton lplate effects discharge thereof, highfrequ'ency 'preheati'ng apparatus comprising an upper -dielectric 'heater electrode and ai'l oscillator-for *feeding 'power thereto, power means for 'movingisaid transfer board, after 'ree cept'i'on "of :a charge of preforms therein,ffroni fa position beneath s`aid hopper to va position lbeheath said upper fdi'el'etrc :heater electrode, the lower one fof Asaid Vheater electrodes being formed by the bottoni plate :of said transfer board, la press rfeed:board formed -sliiriilar to said transfer board, yairelatively thick -iistrioutingcasting with diverging holes forfning'dispersion tubes to guide thefpi'efornfs to said press feedboaid as they are discharged 'frein *the *transfer board, a molding press, power means for in'oving said Vpress feed h'o'a'rd when the fpi'es's is opened `to a 'position between the vmolding 'elements thereof and auto'- n`iatically-disharging the preforlns into the lower molding elements, `a discharge chute, means 'for automatically 'moving said chute, after vthe preforrns have been pressed tothe desired shape 'in the in olds and the upper inold velelrlents raised, to a position beneath said -upper vmold elements kto receive the moldedarticles after discharge and lnove them out of the press prior to subsequent closure oflsaid press, and 'timing mechanism including actuating electrical apparatus for coordinating the operation of "said elements.

12. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising vibratingly 'feeding prefolins of said material to temporary 'storage means, feeding said preforms yfrom said storage means into compact assembly in transfer means, moving said transfermeans 'from 'said storage nieans, and then Vpreireanng `said preforms while 'in said transfer rne'a'ns, and then by gravity substantially simultaneously oisoersing them to more widely separated position, 'corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in feeding means Where they are held preparatory to placing them in molding means.

13. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising feeding preforms of said material into compact assembly in transfer means, moving said transfer means to heating means, preheating said preforms by said heating means while in said transfer means, and then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in means where they are held preparatory to feeding them to a molding press.

14. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising moving transfer means containing in compact assembly a load of preforms of said material to heating means, then preheating said preforms while in said transfer means, and then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in means where they are held preparatory to feeding them to a molding press.

15. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising preheating preforms of said plastic material while in compact assembly, then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in feeding means where they are held preparatory to feeding them to a molding press, moving said feeding means and discharging the preforms therefrom into the lower mold elements of a press, and then withdrawing said feeding means.

16. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising preheating closely spaced preforms thereof, then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in feeding means where they are held preparatory to feeding them into a molding press, moving said charged feeding means and discharging the heated preforms therefrom into said molding press, and then closing said press and molding said preforms to the desired shape.

17. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising quickly dielectrically preheating preforms thereof in a compact assembly and then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in feeding means where they are held preparatory to feeding them to a molding press, moving said feeding means and discharging said preforms therefrom into said press, and then closing said press and molding said preforms to the desired shape.

18. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising preheating closely spaced preforms thereof, then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in feeding means where they are held preparatory to feeding them to lower mold elements of a molding press, removing said feeding means, closing said press and molding said preforms to the desired shape, opening said press, carrying the molded articles with the upper mold elements thereof, and discharging the molded articles from said upper mold elements while directing them from said press.

19. The method of molding articles of plastic material, comprising feeding preforms of said material into compact assembly in transfer means, moving said transfer means to heating means, preheating said preforms while in said transfer means, then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in feeding means where they are held preparatory to feeding them to a molding press, moving said feeding means to a position above the lower mold elements of a press, discharging said preforms therefrom into said lower mold elements, withdrawing said feeding means, closing said press and molding said preforms to the desired shape, opening said press carrying the molded articles with the upper mold elements, and discharging said articles into said means for guiding them for gravity discharge from said press.

20. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising preheating preforms thereof while close together, and then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position to which they will be molded, in means Where they are held preparatory to molding said preforms to the desired shape.

21. The method of molding articles of plastic material comprising preheating preforms thereof while close together, then by gravity substantially simultaneously dispersing them to more widely separated position, corresponding substantially with the position in which they will be molded, in means where they are held preparatory to placing them in molding means, molding said preforms in upper and lower mold elements to form articles of the desired shape, carrying the molded articles with the upper mold elements, and simultaneously forcibly separating the molded articles from said upper mold elements while directing them diagonally downward and outward from said press.

JAMES H. GREEN. WILLIAM MAKENNY.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,495,178 Hodgdon May 27, 1924 1,535,424 Launderville Apr. 28, 1925 1,540,389 s Felton June 2, 1925 1,545,376 Weatherby July 7, 1925 1,651,605 Kuhn et al Dec. 6, 1927 2,155,316 Lauterbach Apr. 18, 1939 2,228,614 Soubier et al Jan. 14, 1941 2,278,643 Braun Apr. 7, 1942 .i 2,314,120 Braun Mar. 16, 1943 2,379,724 Lanham July 3, 1945 2,394,260 Pfeilsticker Feb. 5, 1946 2,409,725 Whitmore et al Oct. 22, 1946 2,467,440 Meharg et al Apr. 19, 1949 OTHER REFERENCES Thermex, Adver. sheet, Girdler Co., Louisville, Ky., 1944.

Modern Plastics, Infrared for Drying and Preheating by William J. Miskella, pages 110, 111 and 182 (August 1944). 

